Meet Rachael Brich: CPACS Advisor Supporting Aviation Students

For Omaha native Rachael Brich, helping students find their direction begins with getting to know the person behind the academic plan. As an academic advisor through the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS), Brich is now working with Aviation Institute students, bringing experience in student support and a commitment to helping them move confidently toward their goals.

Brich was born and raised in Omaha and earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She joined UNO in December 2024, beginning as a communications coordinator with the Health Careers Resource Center before becoming a pre-health advisor. Those roles offered opportunities to grow professionally while contributing to the community she calls home. Now, she is excited to continue that journey by supporting aviation students through CPACS academic advising.

At the center of Brich’s approach is an understanding that every student’s path is different. She enjoys helping students explore their options and make decisions that reflect their individual interests and aspirations.

“My favorite part of working with college students is getting to know them as individuals and helping them recognize their strengths and potential,” Brich said. “Building relationships and being someone students can turn to for support is especially rewarding to me.”

As she begins working with aviation students, Brich looks forward to connecting with the Aviation Institute’s students, faculty, and staff. She is eager to learn more about the field while bringing her advising experience to a new academic environment.

“I’m excited to learn more about the aviation field, support students as they work toward their goals, and bring my advising experience to a new environment,” she said. “I’m also looking forward to learning and growing alongside such a dedicated and supportive team!”

For Brich, supporting students also means encouraging them to make the most of the experiences and relationships available in college. Reflecting on her own time as a student, she wishes she had recognized sooner the importance of stepping outside her comfort zone and building a community. Her advice is to get involved, ask questions, and remain open to new connections, even when taking that first step feels intimidating.

“College is about more than earning a degree,” Brich said. “It’s also about finding your people and growing along the way.”

Outside of work, Brich enjoys spending time with friends and family, particularly her six nieces and nephews, who are all under the age of six. She also enjoys performing in and attending musical theatre, playing volleyball, reading, and discovering a new television show. Traveling and trying new things round out her enthusiasm for staying busy and exploring new experiences.

Through her role with CPACS, Brich looks forward to building relationships within the aviation community and serving as a resource students can turn to throughout their college experience.